Shingles is caused by the varicella zoster herpes virus, which also causes chickenpox. When you have chickenpox, the virus stays dormant – but it can become active again at any time. You’ll be especially vulnerable when your immunity is low – for example when you’re stressed, injured or have undergone medical treatment. It usually affects a specific area of the body, but doesn’t cross over the midline of the body.

Thousands of image-conscious Londoners are risking their health and even their lives by continuing to use banned skin lightening creams that can seriously damage organs and even cause cancer, according to London Trading Standards.

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The prevalence of skin disease exceeds that of obesity, hypertension, or cancer. Despite skin being the largest organ of the human body, dermatological research remains one of the most under funded areas of medicine. In a world where society has an increasing preoccupation with image and it’s importance to every aspect of a person’s life, sufferers of skin diseases are feeling and being more marginalised and isolated than ever.

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